What Does Custom Millwork Cost?

Like most projects, custom millwork pricing can vary greatly. There are many factors that come into play. Some of these factors are obvious, like your choice of finishes, scale and scope of project. However, many factors can be surprising. For example, a new bathroom can cost a fraction of what a built-in furniture piece or wall unit costs, because the dimensions are much less exacting in a newly built bathroom that can be built entirely off site in our workshop, vs built-in furniture, which must fit exactly into a very specific space, requiring an extended installation and integration time. This is one of many examples.

Generally, here are just a few of the factors that come into play when pricing a custom millwork project:

On-site vs off-site build

Home renovation vs brand new home

Finishes

Hardware

Storage

Existing structure and space (are the floors level and even? Are the walls plumb?)

Installation and integration with other architectural features

And last but not least, the existence of or quality of professional prepared design plans

The Importance Of Professional Design Plans

Few things impact the success of custom millwork projects more than the design plans from which they are built. In our experience, up to one third of the time dedicated to any given project comes during the design and planning phase.

Professional designs will usually include floor plans, room elevations and materials / finish specifications. These drawings will allow you to properly visualize your space (so you know exactly what you are getting), and ensure we know what the project entails BEFORE the machinery starts up. In short, without detailed designs, we cannot begin to quote on a project.

Does Van Arbour Design Provide Professional Design Plans?

Yes, we certainly can, and often do. However, they take effort, time and resources, and are therefore provided for a fee. However, if you already have a professional designer who has made detailed design plans, we are of course happy to work with them.